A POLICE officer and his wife pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court in Klang today to trafficking an Indonesian woman for exploitation as forced labour.

S. Vijiyan Rao, 38, and K. Rineshini Naidu, 35, a businesswoman, were jointly charged with committing the offence on Zailis, 46, at a house in Taman Industri Bolton, Gombak, between March and August 30 this year.

They were charged under section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, read together with section 34 of the penal code.

They face between five years and life in prison, and whipping, if found guilty.

Judge Rozianayati Ahmad allowed them bail of RM10,000 with one surety and set October 5 for next mention of the case. The couple were also ordered to surrender their passports to the court.

Deputy public prosecutor Nurul’ Ain Abu Bakar prosecuted, while A. Narainasami acted for the defendants. – Bernama, September 8, 2022.